Rossi touched on the biggest challenge facing Yamaha in 2019 at the launch: "It’s a shame because the holidays have finished, but we are ready.

"We have to work hard because in the last period our opponents made a good step. In modern MotoGP the key is the tyres, we always work to save the tyres. It’s a difficult job, it’s very precise, you have to work on your style and work hard with your engineers. This is the objective this year.

"For me it’s a long time with Monster and I always feel very comfortable. I like the colours, the green and black are good with the blue of our Yamaha - it’s aggressive, we’re like Men in Black. I’m very proud, it’s important to have Monster as a main sponsor.”

Team boss Lin Jarvis said: "The season was quite tough, when we started 2018 we hoped to be at a better level.

"It was a long and hard season, but we recognised what problems we had. Having gone past that period we have a renewed spirit. We’re ready to start this new season. If we can start the Sepang Test well then I think we’ll be in good shape for the season.

"With any team structure, there are always changes that need to be made. In Japan we have seen there’s a new organisation, headed by Kouichi Tsuji. Another change that is important is the interaction between Japan and Europe. We are expanding in Europe, in Italy, and that interaction will be important. I’m confident with the technical, personnel and riders, along with the partners we have, we’ll have a good season."

Suzuki launched its 2019 MotoGP campaign on Monday, online, with riders Álex Rins and Joan Mir showing off the new GSX-RR 1000. Mir graduates from Moto2 to replace Andrea Iannone for the 2019 MotoGP season. His crew chief will be Francesco Carchedi, who comes to Suzuki from Ángel Nieto Team.

"Being realistic, this year’s goal is to gradually improve, start in Qatar with a good performance and end the year improving race by race," said Mir.

"I need to adapt to the bike, the team, the category, and start to close the gap with the riders in front. That’s the most important thing."

Rins added: "The winter feels very long and I really want to get back on track, and the first time I get on the bike will be in Malaysia, after a few months without riding the MotoGP bike. Yes, for the first day it is a bit complicated, but I have trained during this pre-season in the gym and in Andorra to arrive as prepared as possible."